Small-arms weapon sight

ABSTRACT

A gun sight assembly is provided comprising a front sight and a rear sight that cooperatively define an aiming axis for aiming the weapon. The sights include alignment arms that project in a radial manner from the aiming axis. The gun sight provides an initiative means for aligning the weapon. In use, the user aligns the weapon on a target utilizing the gun sight by placing his sightline along the aiming axis. The user receives positive visual confirmation of correct alignment, when the alignment arms all radiate from a single point (i.e., on the aiming axis). In this manner, any variation from precise alignment can be quickly and intuitively visually discerned by the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to weapon sights and, moreparticularly, weapon sights and related method for aiming for small-armsweapons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sights are commonly used to assist a user in aiming a weapon. The mostwidespread type of sight is implemented by aligning a pair of markersboth with each other and with a target. Typically, these sights comprisea front sight and a rear sight, both made of metal and commonly known as“iron sights.” More complex types of sights may comprise lasers or otheroptical devices. Iron sights, as the simplest and most inexpensive typeof sight, are the most popular variety.

Iron sights are commonly used with firearms such as handguns and huntingrifles. When aiming at a moving target such as in shooting competitions,time is of the essence. It is also beneficial to leave most of thetarget visible, for instance, to monitor a target's directional motion,velocity, and acceleration.

In a common variety of iron sight, either the front sight or the rearsight is substantially a solid block with an indentation in it. Theother sight is aligned in this indentation, often directly below thetarget. This configuration poses several problems. With a substantiallysolid mass formed when the sights are aligned, a sizeable portion of thetarget is obscured, usually the lower portion. Thus, since the target ishidden by such sights, novice users can have difficultly aligningaccurately on the target.

Further, common embodiments of a gun sight are not intuitive to align.This results in the alignment process taking a relatively long time,particularly for unskilled users. As a result, target alignment can be atime consuming proposition, particularly for inexperienced individuals.

It should, therefore, be appreciated that there exists a need for asight system that leaves a wide field of open space to view the targetand is intuitive to rapidly and precisely align. The present inventionfulfills these needs and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a gunsight assembly comprising a front sight and a rear sight thatcooperatively define an aiming axis (A_(a)) for aiming the weapon. Thesights include alignment arms that project in a radial manner from theaiming axis. The gun sight provides an initiative means for aligning theweapon. In use, the user aligns the weapon on a target utilizing the gunsight by placing his sightline along the aiming axis. The user receivespositive visual confirmation of correct alignment, when the alignmentarms all radiate from a single point (i.e., on the aiming axis). In thismanner, any variation from precise alignment can be quickly andintuitively visually discerned by the user.

In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, The frontsight has having an upwardly projecting alignment arm, and the rearsight has two downwardly projecting alignment arms. The alignment armsare disposed about with the aiming axis in a radial manner, such thatthey visually align with one another when the user has the weaponproperly aimed at the target.

In detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the alignment arms of thefront and the rear sights are oriented radially transverse to the aimingaxis in equiangular arrangement. More particularly, the alignment arm ofthe front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontal plane.

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the front sightconsists of a single alignment arm, and the rear sight consists of twoalignment arms, all of which are oriented radially transverse to theaiming axis in equiangular arrangement.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achievedover the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have beendescribed herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarilyall such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particularembodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the artwill recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in amanner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantagesas taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as maybe taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the presentinvention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments havingreference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited toany particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of a gun sight in accordance with theinvention, depicting a front sight and a rear sight mounted on ahandgun.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gun sight of FIG. 1, depictedthe front sight and the rear sight aligned to provide a sight picture.

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 1, properly alignedalong the central longitudinal axis.

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of a gun sight similar to FIG. 1, furthercomprising illumining tips.

FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the gun sight of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of a second embodiment of a gun sight inaccordance with the invention, aligned along a central longitudinalaxis.

FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of a third embodiment of a gun sight inaccordance with the invention, aligned along a central longitudinalaxis.

FIG. 8 is a right perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a gun sightin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a right perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a gun sightin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear plan view of a sixth embodiment of a gun sight inaccordance with the invention, depicting arc-shaped notches defined ateach tip end of the alignment arms.

FIG. 13 is perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a gun sight inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 13, depicting thegun sight aligned at a first target distance.

FIG. 15 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 13, depicting thegun sight aligned at a second target distance.

FIG. 16 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 13, depicting thegun sight aligned at a third target distance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, there isshown a gun sight assembly 10 comprising a front sight 12 and a rearsight 14 that cooperatively define an aiming axis (A_(a)) for aiming theweapon. The sights include alignment arms that project in a radialmanner from the aiming axis. In the exemplary embodiment, the rear sight14 comprises two alignment arms 16, 18 that angle downwardly towards theaiming axis, and the front sight 12 includes a single alignment arm 20that projects upwardly towards the aiming axis. The gun sight providesan initiative means for aligning the weapon. In use, the user aligns theweapon on a target utilizing the gun sight 10 by placing his sightlinealong the aiming axis. The user receive positive visual confirmation ofcorrect alignment, when the alignment arms all radiate from a singlepoint (i.e., on the aiming axis). In this manner, any variation fromprecise alignment can be quickly and intuitively visually discerned bythe user.

The front sight 12 and the rear sight 14 are aligned along a top surfaceof the weapon 8 such that the aiming axis is (A_(a)) aligned with theaxis of the gun barrel. The alignment arm 20 projects from a base 22 ofthe front sight 12. The front alignment arm 20 is orientated verticallyrelative to a horizontal plane. The rear alignment arms 16, 18 aresymmetrically oriented relative to the front alignment arm. Moreparticularly, the alignment arms project radially transverse from theaiming axis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (120 degrees), providingan intuitive alignment visualization superior to traditional methods.

The base 20 of the front sight 12 include an upper edge that provides acurved segment 24 centered about the alignment arm 20, such that thealignment arm 20 projects from the nadir of the curved segment 24.

The rear sight 14 is coupled to the top surface of the weapon proximateto a proximal end thereof. The rear sight includes a base 26 and twoupstanding post segments 28, 30 that project from the base 26. The posts28, 30 are oriented vertically relative to the horizontal plane. Thealignment arms 16, 18 project from the posts 18, 30, respectively,radially towards the aiming axis (A_(a)).

The rear sight 14 defines a view aperture 32 through which the alignmentarm 20 of the front side is visible when the weapon is properly aligned.The view aperture 32 is defined by the curved segment 34 of the rearsight. The rear side and the front side of cooperatively shaped,including the curved segment 24 and curved segment 34, such that thebase of the front side is not visible to the user when the weapon isproperly aligned.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the alignment arms 16, 18 and 20each have a tapered profile that terminates at a pointed tip. In theexemplary embodiment, the tips of alignment arms 16 and 18 have a narrowgap therebetween of approximately 1 to 5 mm, however, the size of thegap can vary in other embodiments without departing from the invention.When the weapon is properly aligned, the tip of the alignment arm 20visually appears to fill the gap from the user's perspective. In otherembodiments, the tips of the alignment arms can collectively define acircular shaped gap via arc-shaped notches defined at each tip end, seeFIG. 12. In yet other embodiments, the tips of the rear alignment armscan touch such that alignment is achieved by visually appearing to makethe tip of the front alignment arm with the tips of the rear alignmentarms.

In the exemplary embodiment, the front and rear sights utilize mountingor bonding schemes already provided by the weapon (e.g. a channel,mounting screws, and the like, depending on make and model).

In other exemplary embodiments, the sight can further include adjustmentfunctionality, such as adjustments for the gap between the tips (and/orfrom the imaginary axis) for windage and elevation. For example, therear sight can be configured to enable the user to make suchadjustments.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the tips of the alignment arms can furtherbe configured to illuminate. For example, illuminating paint 36 or otherilluminating material can be applied to the tips. In other embodiments,light sources such as LED, light pipes, lasers, and others can also beused.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a gun sight 40 is shown having a rearsight 42 and a front sight 44. The rear sight 42 includes two alignmentarms 46, 48, and the front sight 44 also includes two alignment arms 50,52. In this embodiment, the alignment arms are not oriented inequiangular arrangement, however, the alignment arms are symmetricallyaligned relative to a vertical axis. Further, the alignment arms arealigned radially relative to the aiming axis (A_(a)). The rear sight 42includes a base 54 and two upstanding post segments 56, 58 that projectfrom the base 54. The posts 56, 58 are oriented vertically relative to ahorizontal plane. The front sight 44 an upper edge that provides acurved segment that corresponds to a curved segment of the rear sight42.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a gun sight 60 is shown, in which a rearsight 62 and front sight 64. The rear sight includes alignment arms 66,68 and defines a view aperture 70 having a circular segment between thealignment arms 66, 68. The front sight 64 also includes two alignmentarms 72, 74. The four alignment arms (66, 68, 72, 74) oriented radiallytransverse to the aiming axis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (90degrees).

With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a gun sight 80 is show having arear sight 82 with a circular view aperture 84. Similar to embodimentsdiscussed above, the rear sight and the front sight 86, collectivelyinclude four alignment arms oriented radially transverse to the aimingaxis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (90 degrees). The four alignmentarms are directed to the center of the visual circle, which in turnpasses through the aiming axis.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a gun sight 90 is show having arear sight 92 with a circular view aperture 94. Similar to embodimentsdiscussed above, the rear sight and the front sight 96, collectivelyinclude three alignment arms oriented radially transverse to the aimingaxis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (120 degrees). The threealignment arms are directed to the center of the visual circle, which inturn passes through the aiming axis.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a gun sight 100 is show having a rearsight 102 with a circular segment 104. Similar to embodiments discussedabove, the rear sight and the front sight 106, collectively includethree alignment arms oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis(A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (120 degrees). The three alignmentarms are directed to the center of the visual circle, which in turnpasses through the aiming axis. The distal ends of each of the alignmentarms define an arc-shaped notch at its distal end. In this manner, whenproperly aligned, the alignment arms define a circular void 108 centeredupon the aiming axis.

With reference now to FIGS. 13-16, a gun sight 120 is shown having arear sight 122 and a front sight 124. The rear sight 122 includes twoalignment arms 126, 128, and the front sight 124 also includes twoalignment arms 130, 132. In this embodiment, the alignment arms are notoriented in equiangular arrangement, however, the alignment arms aresymmetrically aligned relative to a vertical axis. The rear alignmentsarms 126, 128 include a plurality of terminal tips (134(a, b), 136(a,b), and 138(a, b)) paired vertically spaced alignment. The pairs ofterminal tips are spaced to account of projectile drop for targets atvarious distances. For example, the top pair of tips 138(a, b) can betailor for targets at approximately 100±10 yards away. The middle pairof tips 136(a, b) can be tailor for targets at approximately 50±10 yardsaway. The bottom pair of tips 134(a, b) can be tailor for targets atapproximately 25±10 yards away. Alignment is achieve by visuallytouching the tips of the front arms 130, 132, to the appropriate pair oftips of the rear arms.

In other embodiments, adjustable stops can be provided to a movable partof the sight, e.g., the rear arms, to enable users to account forestimated ballistics and/or range options. For example, windage can beaccounted for by a screw mechanism, adjustable stops, or other means tovary the positioning and/or gap of rear sight arms. Graduation markscould be used on front or rear sight.

In yet other embodiments, a transparent printable material, e.g., glassor plastic, be used with one or more of the sites, in which the frontalignment arm(s) are printed on see-through material. In suchembodiments, multiple versions of see-through sights that can be quicklyremounted on the weapon.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present inventionprovides a gun sight comprising a front sight and a rear sight thatcooperatively define an aiming axis (A_(a)) for aiming the weapon. Thesights include alignment arms that project in a radial manner from theaiming axis. The gun sight provides an initiative means for aligning theweapon. In use, the user aligns the weapon on a target utilizing the gunsight by placing his sightline along the aiming axis. The user receivespositive visual confirmation of correct alignment, when the alignmentarms all radiate from a single point (i.e., on the aiming axis). In thismanner, any variation from precise alignment can be quickly andintuitively visually discerned by the user.

Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference onlyto the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat various other embodiments can be provided without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined onlyby the claims set forth below.

1. A weapon sight system, comprising: a front sight attachable to an endof a weapon proximate the weapon's muzzle, the front sight having analignment arm that includes a tip; a rear sight attachable to an end ofthe weapon distal the weapon's muzzle, the rear sight having analignment arm that includes a tip; and wherein the front sight'salignment arm and the rear sight's alignment arm are each located intheir respective front and rear sight such that when the weapon is aimedat a target, the tip of the front sight's alignment arm and the tip ofthe rear sight's alignment, together, define a gap between the tips, andthe target lies in the gap.
 2. The sight system as defined in claim 1,wherein the front alignment arm and the rear alignment arms each taperto a terminal point.
 3. The sight system as defined in claim 1, whereineach arm includes an illuminative tip.
 4. The sight system as defined inclaim 1, wherein the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights areoriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangulararrangement.
 5. The sight system as defined in claim 4, wherein thealignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontalplane.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the front sight includes asingle alignment arm.
 7. The sight system as defined in claim 1,wherein: the alignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse toa horizontal plane and is the sole alignment arm of the front sight; thetwo alignment arms of the rear sight are the sole alignment arms of therear site; and the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights areoriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangulararrangement.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the front sight includesa single alignment arm that extends upwardly away from the weapon'smuzzle.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear sight includes twoalignment arms.
 10. A small-arms weapon having a sight system, theweapon comprising: a weapon body having a barrel for dispensing aprojectile, the barrel having a muzzle; a front sight attached theweapon body proximate the muzzle, the front sight having an alignmentarm that includes a tip; a rear sight attached the weapon body distalthe muzzle, the rear sight having an alignment arm that includes a tip;and wherein the front sight's alignment arm and the rear sight'salignment arm are each located in their respective front and rear sightsuch that when the weapon is aimed at a target, the tip of the frontsight's alignment arm and the tip of the rear sight's alignment,together, define a gap between the tips, and the target lies in the gap.11. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein the frontalignment arm and the rear alignment arms each taper to a terminalpoint.
 12. The small arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein eacharm includes an illuminative tip.
 13. The small-arms weapon as definedin claim 10, wherein the alignment arms of the front and the rear sightsare oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangulararrangement.
 14. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 13, whereinthe alignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to ahorizontal plane.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear sightincludes two alignment arms, each extending downwardly toward theweapon.
 16. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein: thealignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontalplane and is the sole alignment arm of the front sight; the twoalignment arms of the rear sight are the sole alignment arms of the rearsite; and the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights areoriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangulararrangement.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the tip of the frontsight's alignment arm includes an arc-shaped notch.
 18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the tip of the rear sight's alignment arm includes anarc-shaped notch.
 19. The system of claim 1 wherein: the front sightincludes a single alignment arm, the rear sight includes a two alignmentarms, and when the weapon is aimed at a target each of the alignmentarms is angularly displaced relative to its adjacent alignment arm 120degrees.
 20. The system of claim 1 wherein the tip of the front sight'salignment arm and the tip of the rear sight's alignment arm, eachincludes an arc-shaped notch.